IN RE: Ricardo Ramirez (2012)

Argued—December 19, 2011

DECISION & ORDER

In a proceeding commenced by the father, the father appeals from an order of the Family Court, Kings County (Gruebel, J.), dated April 27, 2011, which granted the mother's motion to dismiss his petition on the ground that the court lacked jurisdiction.

ORDERED that the order is affirmed, without costs or disbursements.

The Family Court correctly determined that it lacked exclusive, continuing jurisdiction pursuant to Domestic Relations Law § 76–a(1), even though the father lived in New York, because the parties' child had not maintained a significant connection with New York, and substantial evidence was no longer available in New York concerning the child's “care, protection, training, and personal relationships” (Domestic Relations Law § 76–a[1][a];  see Matter of Gulyamova v. Abdullaev, 53 AD3d 489;  Matter of Felicia McM. v. Jerrold L.W., 51 AD3d 501;  Matter of King v. King, 15 AD3d 999;  cf.  Vernon v. Vernon, 100 N.Y.2d 960, 972).   Accordingly, the Family Court correctly granted the mother's motion to dismiss the petition for lack of jurisdiction.

SKELOS, J.P., HALL, AUSTIN and MILLER, JJ., concur.

ENTER:

Aprilanne Agostino

Clerk of the Court